Day 321 of 365 Things To Do in Panama

Day 321 of 365 Things To Do in Panama. Visit Panama Viejo!

The historic remains of Panama Viejo is located on the outskirts of modern Panama City. Founded on August 15, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias de Ávila, the city of Panamá was the first European settlement along the Pacific. It flourished for 150 years as Spain exported silver and Peruvian gold to Europe via Panama.

In 1671 the city was destroyed by an attack led by the English pirate Henry Morgan, and it was never rebuilt. There is another story were Panamanians burned the city down before he arrived to make it look like it had been taken over.

The abandonment of the city for more than two centuries allowed for the long-term conservation of the historical and archaeological remains of the important buildings and structures.

The historic complex is approximately 28 hectares. The unique mix of Spanish architecture with the finest display of American craftsmanship gives Panama Viejo a distinct look that has rarely been duplicated anywhere in the world. Its old stone columns, cathedrals, and ports still radiate a magnificence that is befitting of the country’s rich history. Another major attraction of Old Panama is the Bell Tower at the Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Cathedral, which has survived onslaughts of invaders as well as the ravages of time, according to venetopanama.com.

Panamá Viejo ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. is a must-see!